Rift (original title: RΓΆkkur) is a 2017 Icelandic psychological horror-thriller directed by Erlingur Thoroddsen. The film blends supernatural elements with deep emotional drama, creating an unsettling and atmospheric experience. Unlike traditional horror films filled with jump scares, Rift relies on eerie tension and psychological unease to keep viewers on edge.
The story follows Gunnar, who receives a late-night call from his ex-boyfriend, Einar, asking him to visit a remote cabin. Concerned for Einarβs safety, Gunnar drives out to the isolated location, but upon arrival, he senses something is terribly wrong. As the two men confront their past relationship, strange occurrences suggest that they are not aloneβsomething lurking in the darkness is watching them.
As Gunnar stays in the cabin, his sense of reality begins to fracture. He experiences disturbing visions and unsettling encounters that make him question whether the danger is supernatural or if it stems from his own unresolved emotions. The film masterfully blurs the lines between psychological trauma and paranormal horror, leaving audiences uncertain about what is real.
What sets Rift apart is its deeply emotional core. Itβs not just a horror story but also an exploration of love, loss, and grief. The film uses its isolated setting and slow-burning tension to build an atmosphere of dread, making the audience feel as trapped and vulnerable as the characters. The cinematography enhances this unease, with haunting landscapes and a muted color palette adding to the filmβs chilling mood.
With its eerie storytelling and psychological depth, Rift is a unique entry in the horror genre. Itβs a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, offering more than just scaresβit delivers an emotional and thought-provoking experience wrapped in an unsettling mystery.
